A lot of GAA fans were saying the same thing after Armagh secured a thrilling comeback draw against Mayo in the Allianz Football League Roinn 1.
Despite being five points down after 67 minutes, Armagh clawed their way back for a o-17 to 0-17 result at full-time. However, many commenters were unhappy with referee Fergal Kelly, whom they felt was awarding soft free kicks to Armagh, allowing them to complete their comeback.
As usual, Joe Brolly had his say on the proceedings, but took a sympathetic view towards the referee, and expressed his discontent at the lack of help for GAA refs.
"For all the folks complaining about the ref’s performance," Brolly tweeted. "The ref in our game has no chance. It’s only good fortune if the ref ever does a decent job. He simply has not been given the tools a) video ref b) an extra ref in each half (instead of them standing on the sideline).
Joe Brolly Has Sympathy For The GAA Referee
For all the folks complaining about the ref’s performance, the ref in our game has no chance. It’s only good fortune if the ref ever does a decent job. He simply has not been given the tools a) video ref b) an extra ref in each half (instead of them standing on the sideline).
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) February 5, 2023
This ref is determined to keep Armagh in this. Every time a mayo man goes near the Armagh man with the ball it's a free. #mayogaa #allianzleague
— Brendan Shields (@Stardansheill) February 5, 2023
This ref may just throw on the armagh jersey🙈
— Cormac O'Neill (@comsy79) February 5, 2023
Mayo should feel very hard done by. Ref handed Armagh that draw at the end for nothing. And a couple other handy frees before that too #allianzleague
— T (@letemplayref) February 5, 2023
5 February 2023; Mayo players, from left, Matthew Ruane, Ryan O'Donoghue and Conor McStay react as referee Fergal Kelly awards an injury time free kick to Armagh, which Rian O'Neill of Armagh subsequently kicked to level the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Armagh and Mayo at Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Joe Brolly Was Horrified By The Spectacle On Show During Glen Vs Moycullen
The result leaves Mayo with two draws from their opening two league fixtures, after their result against Galway last week.
In the day's other Division 1 games, Roscommon defeated Galway to go top of the league [0-08 to 0-09], Tyrone comfortably swept away Donegal [0-16 to 0-08], and Kerry were victorious over Monaghan [3-16 to 0-14]
In Division 2, Dublin defeated Limerick [1-11 to 2-17], Meath beat Clare [4-08 to 0-16], Cork took down Kildare [0-07 to 2-14], and Derry out fought Louth [1-11 to 2-11].
SEE ALSO: Armagh And Mayo Fans Unite To Pay Emotional Tribute To Natalie McNally
